Malta opens the "golden door"
for huddled elites, yearning to breath free...
PARIS ....
Motivated in part by economic stress, and in part by what some call crass opportunism, the idyllic island 50 miles south of Sicily is selling citizenship for $880,000 in cash and $677,000 in property and investments to applicants 18 or older willing to pay the price.
The Maltese prime minister, Joseph Muscat, has estimated that the program, which is aimed at attracting well-heeled residents from abroad, could bring in $1.35 billion in the next five years, providing welcome financing for schools, health care and jobs.
For the wealthy newcomers, Maltese citizenship offers many benefits, beyond the ability to park their yachts in the azure waters of one of Europes most alluring destinations.
Being a citizen of Malta, which is part of the European Unions passport-free zone, will confer the right to travel among the unions 27 other member states without border formalities. A newly minted Maltese citizen will also be able to live and work in another European Union country, and will gain the right to visa-free travel to 69 non-European Union countries, including the United States.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/01/world/europe/give-malta-your-tired-and-huddled-and-rich.html?action=click&contentCollection=Europe®ion=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article
dipsydoodle
(42,239 posts)In the case of the US that's the visa waiver program - 90 days only. Exactly the same as the reciprocal Schengen visa - 90 days and then go home or at least out of the Schengen area.
I would think that the likely biters will be either be Russian or those from ex-USSR states.
Warpy
(111,383 posts)but if it wasn't, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'd probably live elsewhere, though.
pscot
(21,024 posts)It always had strategic naval value, but a sucky place to live.
Warpy
(111,383 posts)"Arid" has always greatly appealed to me. Parts of Spain would be contenders as places to live.
CTyankee
(63,912 posts)that would be sweet...
Warpy
(111,383 posts)Given a convergence of money, time and health, I'm not sure where I'd land. I can get along in French and Spanish already, so that widens the possibilities.
CTyankee
(63,912 posts)I was in Barcelona in October of 2008 and it was fine.
Warpy
(111,383 posts)I'm actually looking most seriously at Mexico and Ecuador these days.
CTyankee
(63,912 posts)Warpy
(111,383 posts)While I could possibly afford to live there, I would live considerably better in other, less fashionable places. I'm also choosing places based on visual art scene.
CTyankee
(63,912 posts)central American countries. My step daughter and her husband went there on their honeymoon because it was in accord with their political and ethical concerns...
when you say less fashionable, which countries do you mean?
muriel_volestrangler
(101,390 posts)Which isn't too bad.
http://www.maltaweather.com/climate.shtml
Being islands, there's no chance to pipe in water from a bit further away, though, so they'd be vulnerable to droughts in particular years. But with a World Heritage Site, and plenty of other attractions, I don't think it's fair to call it 'sucky'.
http://www.mydestination.com/malta/6175880/malta-top-10-attractions
mainer
(12,033 posts)with a really long archaeological history and a rather strange language. I spent a few enchanted afternoons wandering its narrow streets.
CTyankee
(63,912 posts)His "Beheading of John the Baptist", a renowned masterpiece, is in the co-cathedral of St. John, in Valleta, Malta.
Lydia Leftcoast
(48,217 posts)is heavily influenced by Italy.
PeoViejo
(2,178 posts)I'm surprised Limpbough hasn't bought one yet.
bemildred
(90,061 posts)Brigid
(17,621 posts)At least we'll know where to find them.